Mapping microplastic movement: A phase diagram to predict microplastics modes of transport

Abstract

Fibres showed a 28 tendency to be transported closer to the water surface while experiencing slower mean forward velocities 29 compared to spheres. The microplastic particles exhibited rolling/sliding, saltation and suspension as 30 transport modes, comparable to natural sediment. The results show a strong correlation between the 31 transport stage and the percentage of time in which microplastics experienced a certain mode of 32 transport. Based on the laboratory results, a new phase diagram for microplastics is introduced, 33 analogous to an existing diagram for sediments.